I'd like to implement the rear aux on my 57-plate (LS2) VXR8, there's a fairly comprehensive guide on VXRonline courtesy of Dazerc, however this references the "Video In Motion" flash module which is still retailing for about

The links on the above how-to guide are a couple of years out of date with the cost somewhere between £300-400. I'd like to know if there's an easier method (maybe someone with a dongle can activate it for me for a decent price?).

Initially, just my phone so I can run cables behind the dash and not have them visible. After that, I'd like to build something with a Raspberry Pi and it's RCA output. Make something geeky cool, perhaps even run NavIt (which is available for Android) and build a half-decent Sat Nav system

In terms of VIM , you've still only got two options at the moment - JHP in Australia or a guy in the States

If you really want to go all out, Alpine Australia now do a complete central trim panel replacement that allows you to fit any standard Double DIN stereo with rear video camera input (to display HVAC) and has it's own heating controls built in along the bottom.

I'm now thinking switchable exhaust cutout valves but that's another days discussion (probably inclusive of turbos for MOAR POWAH!)

Getting back on topic, I had indeed previously read Garys MY VXR8 STEREO UPGRADE but that outlines using aftermarket parts and doesn't outline how he solved the VIM problem, I'd like to know if a better / cheaper / renewable solution had come along since then

In terms of VIM , you've still only got two options at the moment - JHP in Australia or a guy in the States

If you really want to go all out, Alpine Australia now do a complete central trim panel replacement that allows you to fit any standard Double DIN stereo with rear video camera input (to display HVAC) and has it's own heating controls built in along the bottom.

Le bugger. Yeah I saw the Alpine solution earlier today which is what got me thinking and made me start this thread to begin with.

There's absolutely no other way of doing it? No reflashing equipment that can enable it? I don't mind spending a few £££'s on a decent kit if it can be reused for t'other 'R8 and 'Ro members for petrol and beer money

I had the VIM disabled as part of the Quasi Media Hub upgrade, but sent it all back because I wasn't happy with the sound quality. The spin-off is that I now have it disabled so am in the process of getting a rear Aux-in set up made. If the sound quality isn't acceptable, I'll be going for the double din solution - although I'm still not convinced by the HVAC controls; despite all the after market parts, my install still has to look stock.

Issue is the audio side of these cars really hasn't been pushed - we probably know more about the stereo systems now than most people

I had the VIM disabled as part of the Quasi Media Hub upgrade, but sent it all back because I wasn't happy with the sound quality. The spin-off is that I now have it disabled so am in the process of getting a rear Aux-in set up made. If the sound quality isn't acceptable, I'll be going for the double din solution - although I'm still not convinced by the HVAC controls; despite all the after market parts, my install still has to look stock.

Issue is the audio side of these cars really hasn't been pushed - we probably know more about the stereo systems now than most people

I've been a member of Club VR-4 for over 4 years now and contributed a lot to the community, it's my hope to do that with this and the VXRO communities too, but gotta start someplace

Is the Quasi Media Hub upgrade a one-shot flash or do you know if I could keep plugging that unit into other VXR8's to "unlock" VIM? At that point, it seems like better value for money.

Yeah, I have to admit, those "industrial-look" buttons that come with the Alpine / Quasi Technologies solutionreally don't do it for me, I'm also reluctant to give up rear parking sensors after this is the first car I've ever had them on

I realise that some folk here may think "why do you need a decent car audio install when you've got a throbbing V8 under the bonnet to listen to?", for the most part I agree, but when you're using your car to commute every day (because, you know, insuring multiple cars is effing expensive when you're under 30) sometimes you need a good sound system for a "change of aural scenery".

Thats where I thought the Raspberry Pi would come in, I could add new features to the system (but alas, no touchscreen, although I think I could do that too!), wifi for Internet access, bluetooth for hands-free / bluetooth stereo features etc etc, possibilities are endless

The VIM flash is a one time operation, but comes with the ipod kit as standard. However, they're not selling the kit any more, just the VIM flash

( My ultimate plan - which is now very much 'in progress' is to touchscreen my Head Unit and jailbreak an ipod touch so that I can mimic all the commands on the head unit. I've got an AV switcher that will then allow me to use 3 AV inputs on my screen - the ipod, a standalone Sat Nav unit and DAB. SHould be done in the next month or so)

Are you waiting for your touchscreen order from Demon8Design by chance?

I ordered my kit back in April - still waiting!

Once it arrives I then have to try and do the VIM unlock - I have tried to do it but I still do not know the addresses in the radios eeprom - may have to pay and get the kit from JHP - if I do then I would know the address and could probably perform the unlock on other radios.